How has Koedood Marine Group evolved from traditional diesel technology into a leader in clean and sustainable propulsion?
We have long been an innovation-driven organization, but since 2021 we have shifted our focus from servicing traditional diesel engines to providing solutions that meet – and often exceed – the latest emission standards. This began with the introduction of our own KEES Stage V solutions, in which we fully integrate engines, after-treatment systems and controls. Through close collaboration with partners such as Mitsubishi and Emigreen, we created the space to innovate, test and deliver increasingly cleaner configurations. Today, we have grown into a full system integrator offering a wide range of sustainable propulsion systems, from Stage V to hybrid and diesel-electric solutions.
What concrete steps are you taking toward a zero-emission future?
We are focusing on three main directions:
- Responding to current market demand and maximizing emission reduction.We continue to further develop our Stage V solutions, such as KEES Next Gen, and apply them in both newbuild and existing vessels.
- Hybrid and electric configurations. By combining energy storage, power electronics and intelligent control, we use energy sources more efficiently and significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
- Preparing for zero-emission operations. We test and develop systems suitable for hydrogen, methanol, HVO and other zero-emission fuels and energy carriers, ensuring that our customers are technically ready once infrastructure and regulations are in place.
How do you determine which technology – (bio-)LNG, hydrogen or hybrid systems – best fits a specific application or customer?
We always take an application-driven approach. This means we advise based on the vessel’s operating profile, power requirements, charging possibilities, operational costs and the customer’s future demands. From this assessment, we determine which concept is the best fit: an efficient Stage V configuration, a hybrid solution with batteries, or a system prepared for alternative fuels.
How does your integrated approach – from development to service – help you innovate faster and support customers in the energy transition?
Because we handle design, installation, commissioning and service in-house, we can test, improve and scale up more quickly. Our service engineers provide valuable real-world insights to our R&D team, enabling continuous refinement of our systems. These short communication lines ensure that innovations do not remain on the drawing board but are actually implemented in practice. For customers, this means: one partner, reduced complexity and systems that perform reliably throughout their entire lifecycle.
What challenges and opportunities do you currently see in the maritime sector?
The greatest challenge is the combination of increasingly strict emission requirements, limited availability of alternative fuels and uncertainty regarding future regulations. At the same time, we see opportunities for companies willing to think ahead: investment subsidies, growing demand for retrofit solutions and a strong need for system integrators that deliver complete, reliable systems. The sector is at the start of a major transition, and those who choose smart, scalable technology today will build the competitive advantage of tomorrow.
What does Koedood hope to contribute to the RAI Automotive Industry NL network – and what do you hope to gain from it?
We bring our expertise in developing Stage V and IMO Tier III solutions, certification and emission reduction in complex maritime applications. At the same time, we hope to learn from the automotive sector, which is ahead in electrification, digitalisation, alternative fuels (such as hydrogen) and scalable, serial production. We believe that cross-fertilisation between the automotive and maritime worlds is essential to create affordable, scalable and zero-emission solutions. By collaborating across the transport sector, we can accelerate the energy transition — both on the road and on the water.
